Chloe Combi will open ATC 2026 with a keynote that promises to be bold, insightful and deeply rooted in the real experiences of today’s young people. As one of the world’s leading experts on Generation Z and Generation Alpha, Chloe has dedicated her career to understanding the lives, struggles and aspirations of the youngest generations through an extraordinary body of first-hand research. She has interviewed more than 20000 young people, authored the pioneering book Generation Z: Their Voices, Their Lives, created the Apple chart-topping podcast You Don’t Know Me, and developed high-profile projects exploring teenage mental health, identity and the digital world.
Her work has shaped thinking at every level, from global brands and governments to classrooms and community groups. Chloe’s hands-on approach sets her apart: she spends extensive time in schools, working directly with young people on issues including mental health, relationships, social media, critical thinking and wellbeing. She also co-founded The Respect Project, tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing teens and pre-teens today. Her reputation as a powerhouse and game-changer reflects her rare ability to translate young people’s voices into meaningful insight and practical guidance for those who support them.
Chloe’s keynote will explore what the rising generations are telling us about the future and what educators, employers and policymakers need to understand as we move towards 2030. Her forward-looking perspective, grounded in thousands of personal stories, will offer delegates a compelling and urgent examination of the world young people are navigating and shaping.
It is the perfect way to open ATC 2026: energising, challenging and rooted in the idea that if we genuinely want to understand the future of skills, work and society, we must start by listening to the young people who will define it. Chloe is currently working on both a debut fiction novel and her next major non-fiction project, but assures us she still finds time to debate shoes with teenagers, even if they insist Converse should replace her beloved heels.
